Claire C.

Review of The Jubilee Library

30 May 08, 12:55

Above expectations

This Library has formed the focal point of a massive regeneration of the North Laines. It is an amazing PFI (Private Finance Initative) building and has won all sorts of architectural awards. They have a fantastic gift shop on the way in.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Goat

30 May 08, 12:40

Unassuming from the outside, welcoming from the inside

Set within an 18th century building the goat has been the choice of glaswegian drinkers for many a year. Serving a menu of traditional British fayre coupled with a fine selection of largers and ales, no kidding the goat is sure not to send you barrrrme!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Hawth Theatre

29 May 08, 11:27

Just what Crawley needed

This building sums up the difference between Crawley and Brighton. Crawley needed a theatre so they built one, when Brighton needs a new facility it takes them 60 years to get round to it! The Hawth isn't the Theatre Royal but there again it's a big step up from a civic centre. There are two auditoria, so it's able to put on big shows but also provide a reasonable size theatre that can be hired by local drama groups and stage schools, giving youngsters a chance to perform in a real theatre as opposed to the village hall. Has restaurant and bar, both of which are staffed properly so it is possible to get something to eat or drink without missing half the show.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Brunswick Road Dental Practice

29 May 08, 10:54

No need to be frightened

I am a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to dentists, one two many teeth pulled out in my childhood/adolesence. But Brunswick Road Dental Practice is perfect for someone like me. They are kind and friendly, clean and efficient and importantly quick! I had my teeth cleaned recently and the hygenist was excellent, taking time to explain what she was doing and checking I was comfortable at regular intervals. If I didn't hate going to the dentist so much I'd recommend a trip!! :-)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Troff

29 May 08, 10:35

cool and original

Situated within the uber cool Northern quarter area of Manchester Troff is set on three floors, don't be fooled by it's size as it has a very intimate feel about it. Every night of the week sees Troff open it's doors to various genres of music ranging from folk to electronica. The only down side is the price for a pint as it's quite expensive. All in all - well worth a try.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Novotel

28 May 08, 14:51

yesvotel

The Novotel in Cardiff Centre is a 4 star hotel and it gets four stars 'cos it's better than the holiday inns or city hotels I've stayed in in the past. You get a swimming pool, a breakfast that tastes as though it's just been cooked - not sat under heatlamps for hours on end, you get a bath that's big enough for a 6 footer, quiet air conditioning and a bar that actually feels like a proper bar, not just a bit tacked onto a hotel.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Adelphi Hotel

28 May 08, 13:42

Like mother used to make it

From the outside the Adelphi looks like a traditional spit and sawdust pub, infact it used to be when the workers from the nearby tetleys brewery used to frequent this bar. After a refurb the decor changed dramatically whilst still keeping to it's traditional roots. With a vast selection of real ales on offer and pub grub to die for the Aldelphi is sure to satisfy all that frequent her!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Reliance

28 May 08, 13:37

Unpretentious and unassuming but delightful

The food in here is a combination of traditional english fare - like fish and chips and ranges through to the more than competent chefs own variations of traditional dishes. Whether you want a full sit down meal with friends or you simply wish to pop in for a bite to eat The Reliance will be sure to accomodate all tastes.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of British Airways London Eye

28 May 08, 13:10

Is that the Eiffel Town!?!

When I was on the London Eye there was an American - who said to his wife... "look darling you can see the Eiffel tower"... he was referring to the TV transmitter at crystal palace. So whatever you do, make sure you get in a pod without any Americans in it! No seriously, it is FANTASTIC. The views are amazing and even if you're afraid of heights it feels so safe and smooth you won't be frightened.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of McDonald's Restaurants

27 May 08, 13:10

McFriendly

What a friendly place (not that other MacDonalds aren't!) Dropped in for a vegeburger around midday. Wasn't too busy, was served straight away, with a smile!

The staff here seem to be more, how can I put it? ....fairly mature and clearly know all their customers. Many are off the nearby industrial estate, so there's a real neighbourly feel that you don't see in many other MacDonalds.

While I was there. someone dropped in for directions, and instead of 'left at the lights, right at Tescos,' they got a detailed map drawn on a napkin. No need to comment on the food, it's the same wherever you are!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Food For Friends

22 May 08, 18:38

Vegetastic

As a reformed vegetarian - over 10 years veggie - I love this place. It is everything that is good about veggie food and makes the mouth of even the most die hard meat eater water. I highly recommend the haloumi and mango salad, god it's good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bankers Fish Restaurant & Take Away

22 May 08, 18:21

Not quite Grimsby... but it's good

Bankers is a lovely fish and chips restaurant, okay it's not Grimsby fish and chips which is the best in the world, but it's not far off. What makes it so delicious is the fact it's not greasy and you get nice fat chips. The waiting staff are very friendly and attentive. It's really popular with families.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Zilli Fish

22 May 08, 09:19

Fishtastic

There are better fish restaurants in Whitstable, Brighton, Grimsby, Selsey and Exmouth (Australia) but if you're in London and want to eat fish and don't have the time to go to any of the above mentioned places then Zilli Fish is as good as it gets. The fish is fresh from the sea that day via Billingsgate market and you have to tell them how you like it cooked - rare, medium etc. (something I've not heard of before?)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Terre A Terre

22 May 08, 09:13

Posh veggie - an oxymoron

No I'm not called Vegetarians morons - I was one for over ten years. I'm just saying I don't usually associate being a vegetarian with being posh... yet that is exactly what Terre A Terre does. The food is delicious and full of flavour, even the diehard meat eaters in your group will be satisfied. Just make sure someone other than you is paying, the prices make this somewhere for a treat not everyday.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Carats Cafe Bar

22 May 08, 08:02

Love Carats

I belong to a running club and we have been known to start from and finish up at Carats. It kind of defeats the object (at least from my point of view) of running by having a big fried breakfast afterwards - but what the hell - live dangerously! It's really good value for money and a friendly place full of people in the know, cos lets face it you're not going to find carats by accident.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Saint

21 May 08, 18:27

Fantastic French food

This is a wonderful French restaurant in Brighton's Kemptown. The food is delicious, the place has a lovely ambience and the service is excellent. It isn't cheap, so my advice is to get your partner or your parents to pay! Also, it's difficult to get a table so make sure you book plenty in advance.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Arrogant Frog

21 May 08, 15:04

Arrogant Frog - what a great name!

The Arrogant Frog is a great French restaurant (obviously) on Church Road in Hove. Inside, it's had a mega refurb since it's previous life as a cafe. It is now all wooden floors and fab wallpaper. The menu is what us Brits would imagine to be traditional French. My best bit? The amazing deserts, particularly the Crepes Suzette. They do an early bird deal which is very good value for money, but limits your choices.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Royal Oak

21 May 08, 14:18

totally unspoilt country pub

The Royal Oak in Wineham is a traditional totally unspoilt country pub. Apparently, it's been in serving beer for the last 200 years!?! Cosy inside, with an inglenook fireplace and lots of comfy seating. Outside there is lovely big garden. The menu is just sandwiches and soups - nothing fancy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Jolly Tanners

21 May 08, 14:07

comfy and friendly

The Jolly Tanners is a comfy and friendly pub in the village of Staplefield which is just of the A23. The thing this pub is "famous" for is real ale... they serve loads of different types.. but not being an fan/expert I can't say more than that!?! The food is the usual pub grub.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gardeners Arms

21 May 08, 14:02

Great spot for Sunday lunch

The Gardener's Arms is a great spot for Sunday lunch - really delicious food. In the summer it has a lovely spacious patio and garden and in the winter there are two enormous inglenook fireplaces. Plus it's in a good location as it's near Wakehurst Place - the country garden of Kew Gardens in London - which is fantastic.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Rising Sun

21 May 08, 13:49

Fantastic village pub - loads of character

Situated on The Street in the village of Nutbourne the rising sun is a fantastic pub with loads of character. The main part of the bar is all floorboards and wooden tables but not in a naff recently refurbished bar kind of way. It serves traditional pub grub and the food is very good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of White Horse

21 May 08, 13:46

lovely pub in the unspoilt village of Graffham

This is a fantastic pub, particularly as it's close to the South Downs Way so you can go for a walk and then recharge your batteries afterwards here. The menu is interesting (in a good way) with the usual pub grub and some more wacky dishes such as chicken/cheese crumble!? The garden is particularly lovely.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Rising Sun

21 May 08, 12:57

door step sandwiches

The rising sun is a large modern village pub. They have an excellent varied menu, and at lunch time I really recommend their door-step sandwiches - enormous and delicious. They prepare all the food from scratch and where they can they try to use local ingredients.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Barley Mow

21 May 08, 12:54

Go to the Barley Mow

The Barley Mow is an old country village pub. Inside there is a central bar and lots of comfortable seating. It has a lovely garden with a stream at the bottom. They serve lots of different beers and ales. The food is excellent, I'd particularly recommend the sweet potato bake for veggies.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Shepherd & Dog

21 May 08, 12:50

What a fab location

This is a fanatastic modernised old pub, with low beamed cellings and an inglenook fireplace. Outside there is a paved terrace and a garden. They serve Harvey's Sussex Bitter and some guest beers. They have a substantial menu, with daily specials on the blackboard. Really recommend this pub and there is a great walk around part of the South Downs way which you can do before or after.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of British Home Store

21 May 08, 12:32

Need some new furniture?

If you need some new furniture then I really recommend this store. It is a BHS, but not as you know it as it only sells furniture and home stuff. The choice, selection and quality of the furniture is excellent - they have some particularly good coffee tables, dining tables and chairs. There is ample parking and the staff are very friendly.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Homebase

21 May 08, 12:25

Enormous

This Homebase is the enormous! Homebase recently started selling furniture and this shop has more or less everything in the catalogue on display - brilliant. It also has a massive garden section and all the usual DIY stuff. You still get the usually wait to see anyone about a kitchen, but the staff are friendly and helpful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Trafford Centre

21 May 08, 12:21

Celeb spot - Posh & Becks

Okay, it was a few years back but I once saw Posh and Becks in the Trafford Centre. I think it's one of the best shopping centres in the world. There is an incredible choice of shops, ample parking and loads of places to eat. Also they often have events - fashion shows, concerts etc

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marks & Spencer

21 May 08, 12:01

Enormous

This Marks and Sparks at Lakeside is TOTALLY huge! It has an excellent limited collection section (which lets face it is the best thing M&S do, except for the food) This store seems to get more stock and stuff earlier than other branches. I'd recommend it if you've seen something in the website or magazine and want to go to a branch that will definately have it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Blanch House

21 May 08, 11:37

Blanch House

Highly recommend Blanch House. The food here is excellent, the service is very good - without being in your face. But the best thing is the bar - the cocktails are AMAZING! Also I had some friends who stayed here in one the themed rooms and they said they had a wonderful time and commented on how warm and friendly the whole place is.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sussex Computer Centre

19 May 08, 12:59

megabyte!

A real treasure. I've only dealt with them over laptops but they couldn't be more helpful. Quotes and diagnoses are free as is advice as to whether it's worth having the work done or not. Jobs always come out at the price that was quoted and the work is done quickly. Another bonus is that if your second hand laptop isn't worth repairing they will buy it for spares. So I was given £30 for a laptop I thought was going to have to be thrown away.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Penny Lane Music Store

19 May 08, 12:56

music to my ears

For a while Mid Sussex had a glut of music stores but a number seem to be disappearing now. Penny Lane is one of the survivors and a real enthusiasts dream. It's not full of copies of well known guitars as some stores are, but has has some genuine second hand gems. The owner is an expert and is very happy to give advice and do small repairs or re-stringing. I believe some lessons are offered and there are links with a local rock school. If you or someone in your family is just starting off as a guitarist, this is a good place to take the first step into getting your kit.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tesco Stores

19 May 08, 12:53

Every little helps

Probably Mid Sussex's biggest superstore and very accessible off the Burgess Hill Ring Road. Huge car park and it wraps around the store, so you're never too far away from the entrance. Lots of checkouts and they always seem to be manned so the queues are never too long. Shelves are alway well stocked and the layout seems to make sense, with items you'd expect to buy together close to each other (i.e. tea and sugar.) This is not always the case! As a bonus, the store also has a small garden centre. It stocks most essentials so can save a seperate trip to another site. Also has a petrol station so most things can be done in one trip.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of A D M Heating & Plumbing Engineers

18 May 08, 19:08

Plumbed in my gas hob

ADM heating gave me a very competitive quote for my central heating, but in the end I went with another firm who had installed the central heating in the flat upstairs and came recommended. However, when I needed by gas hob plumbed in ADM did it for me. They did a fantastic job. Very professional, fast and friendly. And the price was considerably cheaper than other quotes.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Belgo Centraal

18 May 08, 18:49

Love Belgos!

What makes this place, aside from the great moules (best you're gonna get outside of Belgium, with the exception maybe of Whitstable) and fantastic range of beers, is the atmosphere. It is really pumping (in a good way) and I like the way it feels so friendly and intimate despite being massive. Highly recommend it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sumo

18 May 08, 18:37

many a good night spent here

I've had many a fun night here, mainly with people from work. Upstairs it's a bar, downstairs they have a large dance floor. Mike Pantelli often DJs here and he is excellent, anyone who plays Michael Jackson wins my heart!? The only negative is it can get very hot downstairs

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of The Beach

18 May 08, 18:25

The Coalition

Being situated practically on the beach this is a great place for a beer/pimms in the sunshine. During the day they often have live music, and some of the bands I've heard here have been really good. Many a hungover sunny Sunday has been spent sat here watching the world go by. It can get difficult to get a seat in the summer. At night time it transforms into a cheesy club. We went here recently for a friends hen do and it didn't let us down. Loads of great tunes, reasonable (for a club) priced drinks and friendly bouncers.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hove Cycles

17 May 08, 22:01

need your bike serviced?

I was feeling a bit intimated and worried about getting my bike serviced and I feared this shop would be full of bike nerds... but they were lovely and so friendly. The service I received was excellent, but it was midweek so it might be different on a weekend.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Foxy's Roast and Grill

17 May 08, 21:58

Yum!

Great british food - serves really high quality meat and fantastic potatoes. They also have excellent wines. At first I thought it was a bit odd that there weren't any puddings on the menu but there isn't room after the massive main course.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Mash Tun

17 May 08, 21:20

Great location

The Mash Tun is in a fantastic location right near the Pavilion. I was here last night and had a thoroughly good time! The atmosphere is buzzy and fun, with a real mixture of people. There is a large outdoor seating area if you're a smoker.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Richer Sounds

16 May 08, 18:13

Good value

I was introduced to Richer sounds at University when we had to buy portable mini-disk recorders (god, how old am I?!) Anyway, it's a fantastic chain of shops and this one in Brighton is particularly good. You can buy all things electric here -speakers, TVs, stereos... I doubt they still sell mini-disk players though!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Cricketers

16 May 08, 18:09

Oooh I do like this pub

The Cricketers is a lovely pub, it's just a shame it gets so crowded sometimes on a Friday/Saturday night... but hey it is in the popular Lanes and it's difficult to keep good pubs from getting all popular and busy!!? If you're a smoker you'll love it 'cos they have a fab covered smoking courtyard thingame that feels as much like smoking inside as you can legally get.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Stanmer House

16 May 08, 17:51

Best Christmas Party EVER!

We had our work Christmas Party here last year and it was the best one yet. The venue is fantastic, really grand and it makes you feel very special. The food (considering they were mass catering) was very good and the wine was flowing all night. Fabulous big dance floor and a chocolate fountain. I don't know how expensive it was? But it was a brilliant night.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Nine West

16 May 08, 17:07

Big branch

This is a big branch of Nine West with a good selection of shoes, boots and a bags section out the back. The staff are very helpful, particularly if you're umming and urring about whether to spend over £100 on a pair of boots. They don't put you under any pressure, which is nice.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Jones Bootmakers

16 May 08, 16:45

Great customer service

I bought my favouritest pair of shoes EVER from this shop. Black patent shoots (that's shoe boots btw) with bows on the front. They are gorgeous and have caused much a stir in the office. This branch is small but has a good selection. The staff member who served me was very friendly and helpful, and didn't mind while I went to Dune down the road to check I didn't like a pair there better! They also sell the plastic things that keep your boots nice and they were half price recently.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Molton Brown

15 May 08, 14:16

Perfect presents

I love Molton Brown - oh my god their stuff smells and feeling SO good. My mum reckons the best presents you can either eat or bath in!?! And if she's right then, Molton Brown is a winner. This shop is great 'cos it's big-ish (all Molton Brown stores are small) and the staff are very friendly. If you say what you're buying is a gift they'll wrap it up really nicely.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Body Shop

15 May 08, 12:00

Great staff

The best thing about this bodyshop are the staff. They are friendly, helpful and attentive.. without being annoying. It is in a prime location right on North Street in the centre of town. The Body Shop first store opened in Brighton (not at this location) but it means the shop has always had a special place in the city's heart.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of PC World

15 May 08, 10:56

Couldn't be more helpful

Exactly the same, as far as sales are concerned, than any other PC World, I'm sure. What makes this one stand out is the quality of the service. The technicians on the helpdesk are fantastic and if they can, will fix any software problems on the spot, often free of charge. They've even done this when we've made it clear the laptop concerned was bought elsewhere. I suppose it pays off, because when we bought a second one, PC World was first choice. If the Computer needs sending away, that's quick too. We had ours back in 48 hours when it went in for a warranty repair. It's on the County Oak estate, so parking is good and free.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Handcross Aquatics Centre Country Gdn(S)

15 May 08, 10:54

HANDCROSS GARDEN CENTRE

Recently taken over by Garden Pride, this is once again a proper Garden Centre. Under previous management it had become basically a decking and furniture showroom with plants and tools shoved to one side. Today though, REAL gardening is back at the forefront with a really good range of plants and seeds including old favourites like Peonies and Aquilegas which you don't see very often. Prices a bit more than some nurseries BUT the after sales service is good and any plants that fail are replaced or refunded without question. The only problem, is the centre is bang on the A23 and you take your life in your hands rejoining the traffic heading for Handcross Hill as you leave.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Topshop

15 May 08, 10:09

Second best topshop in the country!

This is the second best branch of topshop in the country, number 1 being the flagship store in Oxford street. Since the bomb the Arndale Centre has undergone an amazing transformation. This store is totally AMAZING! Huge, spread over lots of different floors with an excellent selection. Plus they have loads of staff so the queues never get too long. Be warned, you can spend a fortune in here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Topshop

15 May 08, 10:04

Third best TopShop!

This is the third TopShop in the country (number one is the massive flagship store in Oxford circus which is AMAZING and number two is the one in Manchester which is brilliant) Anyway, this one is huge with an excellent selection. It does get really busy, but you never have to queue for too long.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Middle Farm Shop

15 May 08, 09:38

Farm Shop

Middle Farm shop has been going for yonks (forty-years or so) they have a massive selection of meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. They try to make sure everything is sourced locally and if possible organic. They have their own butcher, including their own home-produced beef. And a bakery which sells everything from cakes to complete meals. And if you're a fan of cheese they have more varieties than you could ever imagine!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Megabowl

14 May 08, 12:35

Great bowling alley

This is a great bowling alley, the best one I've ever been to by far. It is handy to get to, right opposite Kingston train station. Unlike a lot of bowling alleys the staff are friendly, polite and not rushed off their feet. They also serve blue slush-puppies - back to your childhood with one sip!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Porterhouse

14 May 08, 12:27

Is busy good?!

This is one of those pubs that is difficult to review, 'cos it can get REALLY busy. And sometimes busy is good = atmosphere, fun, fit blokes etc. And sometimes busy is bad = can't get served for hours, hot, nowhere to stand, lots of elbows. I would recommend trying it if you've not been, particularly if you can start early doors - like 4pm-5pmish and find a good spot.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gars

14 May 08, 10:54

Yum!

I went here last night with three friends and had a lovely meal. The food is really good - in particularly they serve wonderful prawn toasts (not your usual over fried skinny excuses!?) The service is friendly, smiley and prompt - without being in your face. The restaurant looks really clean and although it's small it's not cluttered. It's not a cheap chinese, but it's worth the couple of quid extra 'cos it's so fresh and tasty.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Alfresco

13 May 08, 17:54

Four stars for the club sandwich

Alfresco gets four stars for it's club sandwich alone. It's the only thing I have ever eaten here and it's wonderful. Unusually, it contains crayfish and it is delicious. I've also been here for a few times for a glass of Pimms, sat outside in the sunshine practically on the beach - wonderful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The National Gallery

12 May 08, 15:47

The National Gallery

The National Gallery has one of the largest collections of paintings in the world. Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, Cezanne, Van Gogh - they are all here. It can feel a bit overwhelming because there is just SO much to see - but there are guided tours and audio tours if you need "help" The shop is pretty small but sells some great stuff - fab collection of books on art.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tate Modern

12 May 08, 15:41

Modern Art

WOW! The Tate Modern is our country's national museum of modern art. It used to be a power station, and the building is amazing. The gallery houses all things modern art from Matisse and Picasso to contemporary work. I particularly like the Unilever sponsored mega installation in the turbine hall as you walk in, changes regularly and never disapoints.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The British Museum

12 May 08, 15:37

Brilliant

The best bit about the British Museum isn't British at all... its Egyptian. As a child I remember being totally amazed and freaked out by the mummies - brilliant. It's an amazing museum and really recommend it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Forbidden Planet

11 May 08, 19:39

The world's largest sci-fi store

This claims to be the world's largest sci-fi store... I'm sure there must be a bigger though!? If you're a geek (and even if you're not) you will love this store. They sell a huge selection of comics, action figures, t-shirts and games.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tower Of London

11 May 08, 19:30

Crown Jewels

The tower of London is one of the best places to visit in the capital. The queues in the summer are crazy, so pick a bright sunny cold winters day instead. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway... the history here is amazing. Traitors gate, the bloody tower etc. The crown jewels are incredible, and it's fun to plot ways to steal them as you wander round. It's not cheap £16 for an adult, but you can spend a whole day here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of St. Pauls Cathedral

11 May 08, 19:26

Whispering gallery

The best bit of St Pauls Cathedral, other than the overall magnificance of the architecture (it was designed by Christopher Wren, and it is a stunning building) is the whispering gallery. Go when it's quiet, get your friend to stand round the other side, whisper into the circular wall and they'll be able to hear what you're saying (when it's busy you only hear the person next to you!?) Okay, I know technology has moved on a bit (have you seen what an itouch can do!) but it still amazes me!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The London Dungeon

11 May 08, 19:19

Great for kids

As a kid I loved this place. I remember going with all my cousins and one of them was so scared he had to go to the cafe for a drink and biscuit and we all laughed at him... til we realised he got a drink and biscuit and we weren't getting one ourselves!? Anyway, it is brilliant with great sets, wax works and live actors. It's not cheap, but worth it for a treat. Oh and I suggest you book before hand 'cos it can get really busy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Atlas Lounge Cafe

08 May 08, 12:24

Doesn't look much for the outside

It doesn't look much from the outside, but inside it's a pretty funky bar. It's sort of got a Moroccan theme - I think?! The staff are very friendly, they'll serve you at your table and I have found if I pop in for one quick beer I end up staying for 3/4/5!! It's a good place to stop on your way between Hove and Brighton.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Thai Connection Catering

08 May 08, 12:18

Very good Thai takeaway

I have never eaten in the Thai Connection, though it looks lovely inside. I have had takeaway food from here though and it was excellent. The only negative is they don't deliver. But it is worth the trip 'cos the food is very good.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pizza Express

08 May 08, 12:04

Used to be a supermarket

This pizza express used to be a Sainsburys or an Iceland or something similar, so it's huge inside. Because it's so big it doesn't have much of an atmosphere. However, in the summer you can sit out the front in the sunshine which is nice. The staff are friendly and you know what you're gonna get menu wise. But I would recommend Fantozzi a couple of doors up instead (see my review)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Pizza Express Restaurants

08 May 08, 11:52

Probably one of the best

This is probably one of the best Pizza Express restaurants around. Particularly if you get a table near the back, which is really light and airy. The staff are very friendly. Also, as it's often pretty quiet on a weekday you can turn up with a big crowd of you unannounced and they're very accomodating.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Sussex Yeoman

08 May 08, 09:14

Just up the road from the station

Just up the road from Brighton station the Yeoman is a great pub with a chatty open atmosphere and great food. The menu is fantastic, lots of fresh fish and yummy specials. My friend described her burger as "to die for" but as she had just been for a 21 mile run (Marathon training) that might have had something to do with it!?!

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Review of Zilli Cafe

08 May 08, 09:12

Delicious fresh lemonade

Zilli Cafe (owned by Aldo Zilli, the famous chef and star of such top reality tv shows as celebrity fit club!?) is in the newest bit of the North Laines very near the Jubilee Library. It is a cafe and deli and you can eat in or takeaway. They serve delicious salads, chiabatas and pasta. They also have fantastic fresh lemonade and a chocolate brownie that is to die for!!

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Review of Inside Out

08 May 08, 09:07

Bit slow, but worth the wait!

Inside Out is a great cafe in the North Laines. The service can be a little bit slow but it's worth the wait. All the food is cooked to order and is lovely and colourful and fresh. I particularly recommend the chiabatas, paninis and melts. They also have a fantastic cake display on the way in, haven't succumbed to temptation though (yet) so I can't vouch for them, but they look wonderful.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Zizzi

08 May 08, 08:59

Great food, great atmosphere

This branch of Zizzi's in one of the best. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great. Being a chain you know what you're getting - which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you feel about chains - but this Brighton branch has a few more unusual options. The staff are very friendly. The only negative, it can get a bit pram congested on weekends.

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Review of The Pond

08 May 08, 08:53

Fabulous Omelette

The Pond is an Irish-ish pub in the centre of Brighton. Upstairs in the evening they do Thai food, downstairs it's pub grub (wonderful cheese omelette) There are tables outside which are in a total suntrap and it's a great people watching spot.

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Review of The Lord Nelson

08 May 08, 08:39

Trafalgar Street

The best bit about the Lord Nelson on Trafalgar Street is the back room which is really light and airy and can be hired for free. You can reserve tables and our work recently had an excellent buffet lunch here. At night they pull down a big screen for big sporting events.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Friars Oak

08 May 08, 08:34

great value lunch

The Friars Oak in Hassocks is a great pub with a good atmosphere. It is spacious and very accomodating for groups. They do really good value lunches. Have an excellent beer garden and ample parking.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hi Ho Silver

08 May 08, 08:29

Gorgeous silver jewellery shop

Hi Ho Silver sells primarily silver jewellery, but also silver bowls, pictures frames and things like funky salad servers. It is a small shop but things are well laid out. It's the sort of place where you can just spend ages trying on loads of necklaces and bracelets - just be warned you'll struggle to make a decision they're all gorgeous.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bagelman

07 May 08, 13:43

Buy me a bagel baby

Bagelman is a great bagel shop on Church Road in the centre of Hove. It has some fab fillings but my favourite is the old favourite - smoke salmon and cream cheese. I'm told they have recently started selling bacon (it did have Jewish roots) but I've not been in to see if that's true.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Le Mercury

07 May 08, 13:37

By best friend's favourite

Le Mercury is by best friend's favourite restaurant. We go here nearly every year for her birthday and even went here for her hen do. The food is lovely (not amazing, but certainly good) and very good value for money. I have certainly never felt hurried, but maybe that's cos we go late-ish and settle in for the night.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Specsavers Opticians

07 May 08, 12:46

Lovely Optometrist

I had my eyes tested here a few months ago and the optometrist was lovely. Really kind, understanding and happy to answer stupid questions. Then when picking my glasses the lady had some great advice and was really patient while I tried on every pair in the store!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lakeland

06 May 08, 17:54

Avocado slicer?!

You've got the LOVE lakeland. They sell all those domestic gadgets you never knew you needed. This store is fantastic, set over three floors, it sells everything and anything. They also have helpful staff lingering (not in a bad way) around on the shop floor ready to help at a moments notice.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Shell

06 May 08, 17:48

Cheap petrol

This Shell currently has the cheapest petrol I've seen in the last few days £108.9. Much better than £111.09 at the BP on the seafront. Goodness, what has the world come to when you think £108.9 is cheap!! Oh and it's open all hours which is handy.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of BP Service Stations Hove Filling Station

06 May 08, 17:46

Marks and Spencer food

This BP service station on Hove/Portslade seafront has a mini Marks and Spencer and it just might change my life as it's on the way to and from work. Yummy salads and sandwiches and gorgeous cakes. It's small but perfectly formed. Just don't expect a carrier bag, from today they stopped giving them out for free.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Southgate Station

06 May 08, 13:04

Special place in my heart

Southgate station has a special place in my heart because it's where I learnt to conquer my fear of escalators! I was about 3 at the time and my Dad left me at the top ;-) It's a great looking station and is actually in some architecture books as an example of the architect, Charles Holden, from the early 1930s.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Emperor Chinese Restaurant

06 May 08, 12:54

Yummy!

In the centre of Burgess Hill this is a fantastic Chinese restaurant. The staff are incredibly helpful and the food is delicious. I really recommend this restaurant, it's worth a journey even if you don't live that nearby.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Haywards Heath Library

06 May 08, 12:20

You can't beat a good book

Extended over the last few years and much better laid out than it was. The fiction books are now divided into categories, so if you want a Crime novel, or a thriller you can go straight to that section and not have to plough through the A - Z section in the hope of finding a suitable book. The new parking rules in Haywards Heath also means it's possible to park outside and pop in for some books, rather than finding the road clogged up by people parking for the whole day to avoid paying the railway station car park charges. The library also seems to act as a community centre, you'll see the same people huddled round a table reading the newspapers every time you go in! It's a very comfortable atmosphere

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Magpie Recycling Co-Operative

06 May 08, 12:06

If it can be recycled... they will...

Magpie Recycling collect bags of paper from work. But they will collect almost anything it seems. They arrive when they say they will and are very polite and strong (you need to be to carry all that paper!?)

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Between The Lines

05 May 08, 13:06

Great for gifts

Outside Between The Lines it says "Sells natural nurturing products," inside I didn't find many of those whatever they are? But I did find lots of cool little presents for people. Everything from a book of cheese tips (!?) to Sarah Bridgewater spotted crockery.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of New Look

05 May 08, 12:59

Light and airy

This is a great New Look. It's light airy and easy to find your way around. The clothes rails are well spaced out and you can easily see what's on offer. The TopShop in Chichester could learn a thing or to (see my review of that branch) Also they have some rails for unusual designer stuff which I've not seen in a New Look branch before.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Chromos Art Supplies

02 May 08, 18:21

will show you how to do it

This is a great art/craft shop. They are so friendly and helpful, particularly if you're starting out or not brilliant at craft/art. With some things they'll even show you how to do it before you buy. They give guide leaders a 10% discount which is brilliant - more places should do that... like TopShop for example!?!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tesco Stores

02 May 08, 15:07

It's massive!

This may be the biggest Tesco in the world... not for long obviously 'cos they are planning to take over the universe and build a tesco the size of 90 football pitches on Mars. But until then... this one is the biggest I've ever been in. It has a huge clothes section and sells everything from laptops to hottubs. Highly recommended for all your Tesco needs.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Marks & Spencer

02 May 08, 14:57

Enormous!

This is a huge M&S with masses of parking and very friendly staff. It has a huge home section which is well worth a visit if you're looking for new furniture. They also have a big limited collection range - which is the best clothing range Marks and Sparks currently do.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Asda Stores

01 May 08, 22:27

Wish I lived nearer

I wish this was my nearest supermarket 'cos it's the best in Brighton by a mile. There is ample parking, it's very well stocked and the staff are always very friendly. But the best thing is the price - it is considerably cheaper than Tesco or Sainsburys. I love the hedgehog bread and the clothes - George clothing is still the best supermarket clothing in my opinion. In my opinion, this is a review website of course it's in my opinion!?!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Tesco Stores

01 May 08, 22:19

This is a great little Tesco

This is a great little Tesco and I'd rather shop here than it's bigger sister in Hove. It not like other tescos 'cos it seems to have bogof deals that don't exist at other branches and random reduced clothes on rails!? The carpark with lifts into the store (one of which is out of action) is a bit of a multi-storey nightmare. You're better walking and bringing your baglife, then you can leave feeling all green and good about yourself.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sainsburys

01 May 08, 22:07

The king of Sainsburys

This is a great sainsburys and if I'm passing I'll always pop in for a look at their clothes and homestuff - which is much bigger and better than other sainsburys. It's enormous, well stocked, with ample parking. The staff are very friendly and smiley.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of John Lewis

01 May 08, 21:58

The best thing is the pick up service

The best thing about this John Lewis is the pick up service where you can shop til your hearts content buy loads of stuff and then hand it all over to collect later in your car - fab! This branch is enormous and very well stocked. The toilets are lovely and clean and you never have to queue. The cafe isn't up to much though, I'd rather eat in one of the many places in Bluewater with a better view where you can watch the world go by.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Sobell Leisure Centre

30 Apr 08, 14:11

Fond memories!

My Dad used to work at the Sobell Centre so it has a very special place in my heart. The best bits are the icerink, climbing walls and trampolining. Following on from what Beth L said my Dad told me they once did have someone have their fingers sliced off on the ice, but 'cos they were on-ice the hospital was able to sew them back on no bother!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Natural History Museum

30 Apr 08, 13:33

As a kid I adored the Natural History Museum

When I was younger I just adored the Natural History Museum. I remember my Dad took my brother and I and we were just blown away by the enormous dinosaur skeleton and the gigantic blue whale - amazing. It has continued to change and grow (rather like myself!?) over the years and now has lots of interactive exhibitions. As a geologist I was particuarly interested in the earthquake bit where you can actually feel what it would be like to experience an earthquake.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Victoria and Albert Museum

30 Apr 08, 13:30

Art and Design Museum

The V&A is fantastic museum if you are interested in Art and Design. If you like fashion, interior design.. anything like that you'll love looking round. They also have special exhibitions (which you have to pay and book in advance) for more popular things like the clothes of Kylie last year!?! They have an amazing cafe, with a pianist and the most delicious cream teas. It's not cheap but it's such a fantastic setting and the scones and cream and jam are so good it's worth it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Alias Hotel Seattle

30 Apr 08, 13:23

Nautical theme - not in a naff way, honest

The Alias Seatle Hotel in Brighton Marina is where a lot of the celebs who perform in Brighton stay - Pink and Maroon 5 recently. It feels like you're on a ship in the corridors, low cellings and portholes. The bar is fabulous (amazing cocktails) with a great roof terrace over looking the marina. Try and get a sea view, rather than a view of the cliffs!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Leeds Castle

29 Apr 08, 12:35

It's nowhere near Leeds!?

Leeds Castle is a very beautiful castle in Maidstone Kent, nowhere near the city of Leeds - it's about as far South in UK as you can get without being in France (off the M20) I have been here to see Simply Red - they put up a massive outdoor stage and seating overlooking the beautiful castle. And the fireworks at the end were fantastic. I'm told they also host weddings, which I reckon would set you back a bit but what a venue - wow!

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.